Dixie Evans was more than just a burlesque performer—she was a living tribute to Hollywood glamour, a curator of burlesque history, and one of the driving forces behind the burlesque’s revival. Dubbed the “Marilyn Monroe of Burlesque,” Evans captivated audiences with her uncanny resemblance to the silver screen icon and her ability to channel Monroe’s signature breathy voice and sultry mannerisms.
From Hollywood Aspirations to Burlesque Stardom
Born Mary Lee Evans on August 28, 1926, in Long Beach, California, Dixie grew up during the Great Depression, learning the value of hard work early on. She initially pursued a career in Hollywood, taking dance lessons and working various jobs before finding her way into burlesque. Her breakthrough came when impresario Harold Minsky noticed her resemblance to Monroe and encouraged her to incorporate it into her act.
Evans took the advice to heart, studying Monroe’s every move and crafting performances that mirrored the star’s latest films. She became a sensation, drawing crowds eager to see the burlesque version of Marilyn.
A Burlesque Sensation
Dixie Evans was known for her theatrical and satirical approach to burlesque, often incorporating Hollywood-inspired themes into her acts. Her most famous routine was the “Hollywood Casting Couch” act, which played on the idea of aspiring actresses navigating the film industry. This act was a mix of humor, sensuality, and sharp commentary, making it one of her signature performances.
She closely followed Marilyn Monroe’s career, adapting her routines to reflect Monroe’s latest films and public persona. Whenever a new Monroe movie was released, Evans would watch it, study it, and craft a new act based on its themes. This dedication made her performances timely and culturally relevant, ensuring she remained a standout in the burlesque world.
Evans also performed in Minsky’s Burlesque, one of the most prestigious burlesque venues, where she refined her comedic timing and stage presence. Her acts were narrative-driven, often resembling mini theatrical plays rather than simple striptease routines. Even in her later years, she could effortlessly slip into her Marilyn Monroe persona, demonstrating the lasting impact of her burlesque career.
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
While Evans dazzled audiences with her performances, her impact on burlesque extended far beyond the stage. In the 1980s, she took over Exotic World, a burlesque museum founded by fellow performer Jennie Lee, located in the Mojave Desert. Under Evans’ leadership, Exotic World became a sanctuary for burlesque history, housing costumes, memorabilia, and even the cremated remains of legendary dancers.
She also launched the Miss Exotic World Pageant in 1991, an annual competition that helped usher in the modern burlesque revival. Thanks to her efforts, burlesque was not just remembered—it was celebrated and reborn.
Watch Dixie Evans in Negligee Dance:
View The Dixie Evans Collection online at the Burlesque Hall of Fame
Watch an Interview with Dixie Evans:
Download Dixie Evans’ coloring pages in this article.
Remembering Dixie Evans
Evans continued to champion burlesque until her passing on August 3, 2013. Her legacy lives on in the Burlesque Hall of Fame, which evolved from Exotic World and now resides in Las Vegas.
Dixie Evans was more than an impersonator—she was an innovator, a historian, and a passionate advocate for burlesque. Her work ensured that burlesque’s golden age would never be forgotten, and her influence continues to inspire performers today.
Sources
- Burlesque Hall of Fame. “Dixie Evans.” https://burlesquehall.com/dixie-evans-1926-2013/
- Pure History. “Dixie Evans.” https://purehistory.org/dixie-evans/
- Legacy News. “Dixie Evans: The Queen of Burlesque” https://www.legacy.com/news/culture-and-history/dixie-evans-the-queen-of-burlesque/
- Burlesque Hall of Fame. The Dixie Evans Collection. https://hub.catalogit.app/7403/folder/99b0a850-5ad8-11ec-a2ba-d7598031ddba
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